Team news, predicted lineups and key insights ahead of OFI vs. Bayer Leverkusen in the 2026/27 Europa League.

Bayer Leverkusen will look to extend their impressive five-game winning streak in all competitions when they travel to Crete to face OFI in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

OFI have already pulled off a surprise against German opposition in this season’s competition, beating Hoffenheim 2-0. That result should serve as a warning to Leverkusen not to underestimate their opponents, despite entering the contest as clear favourites.

However, OFI have struggled to build on that memorable victory, failing to win any of their subsequent four matches. All three defeats did come away from home, though.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, have responded well to their shock 3-2 defeat to newly promoted Elversberg in their opening match of the Bundesliga season and have gone unbeaten since.

After edging Freiburg 2-1 at the weekend to climb to fourth in the Bundesliga, Die Werkself will now be eager to maintain their strong form and make it three wins from three in the Europa League.

Team news and predicted lineups:

OFI will be without goalkeeper Nikolaos Christogeorgos, defenders Nikolaos Marinakis and Christos Sielis, and forward Aaron Leya Iseka.

Leverkusen, meanwhile, remain without Kennet Eichhorn, Guela Doué, Eliesse Ben Seghir, Montrell Culbreath, Martin Terrier and Christian Kofane. Jonas Hofmann is available after being added to the Europa League squad as a replacement for the injured Terrier.

Leverkusen coach Carles Martínez is expected to rotate his squad for the trip to Crete, with Loïc Badé, Robert Andrich and Malik Tillman among those who could be handed an opportunity to impress.